Electricity and Solar Power - Environmental Professionals Connection

Where is California Going to Site Its New Solar Power?

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 27, 2023

A 2021 report by California state agencies calls for an additional 16,900 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar and an additional 12,500 MW of customer solar by 2030, making up 61 percent of new clean electricity resources. Along with solar, storage and wind will see significant growth. On paper, it’s promising!

Solar Power

Solar Power Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity

UCS Expert Testifies on the New Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 21, 2024

Earlier this month, the US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service hosted a public hearing on their recent proposed rules governing implementation of the Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and the Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Credit. My testimony is copied below.

Electricity

Electricity Wind Power Greenhouse Clean Energy

These Are the Critical Issues to Track with the New “Tech-Neutral” Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 21, 2024

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included a major—forthcoming—refresh for one of the biggest policy drivers of the nation’s clean energy transition to date: tax credits subsidizing the deployment of clean electricity resources. the GHGs emitted into the atmosphere by a facility in the production of electricity—is not greater than zero.

Electricity

Electricity Clean Energy Greenhouse Technology

Minnesota: Will This Be the Year for a 100-Percent Carbon-Free Electricity Policy?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 30, 2023

Now it’s on to the state Senate, where the question is: Will this be the year Minnesota sets a path toward 100-percent carbon-free electricity? Those scenarios showed that the IRA would accelerate solar and wind deployment and reduce carbon emissions to 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Electricity

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Clean Energy

Boosting Michigan’s Energy Future with Regional Transmission Upgrades

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 25, 2022

Today, the regional entity overseeing much of the electric power grid in the Midwest—the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)—approved a set of major new transmission system upgrades that will bring billions of dollars in benefits to the region while better enabling states and utilities to pursue transitions to clean energy.

Solar Power

Solar Power Clean Energy Carbon Emissions Electricity

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

However the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the Midwest’s regional grid manager, has stepped up to approve long-awaited upgrades that will improve the reliability of the electricity system across the region, including Minnesota as well as Illinois and Michigan. That’s not a Minnesota utility…is it?

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity

Renewables Have Pulled Ahead of Coal. What’s Next?

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 24, 2023

There’s good news in the recently released official data on electricity generation in the United States in 2022: renewable energy has continued to grow, coal power has continued to drop, and renewables are now firmly ahead of coal for the first time ever. percent of the country’s electricity supply (up 1.1 It supplied 10.5

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Solar Power

Grid Modeling Overview: Four Types of Models Guiding the Transition to Clean Electricity

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 25, 2022

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Without power grid modeling tools, the transition to clean electricity would be an absolute mess. Luckily, we don’t have to resort to guesswork because we have sophisticated grid modeling tools that help guide the transition to clean electricity. Surely that would not end well.

Electricity

Electricity Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy

Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation

Environmental Leader

JANUARY 11, 2022

Solar and wind power and battery storage continue to see significant growth and will drive renewable energy sources in electricity generation in the United States in 2022. The post Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity 2022 Wind Power

September Is Here. That Means Another Nail-Biter for California’s Grid.

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 31, 2022

For California power grid experts, September is a nerve-wracking month, still very much part of danger season on the West Coast. At any point in the summer, extreme heat could trigger electricity supply shortages and rotating power outages. But September is the month when this type of power outage is most likely in California.

Solar Power

Solar Power Fossil Fuels Electricity 2020

Clean Energy Is Bringing Electricity to Many in the Navajo Nation

Scientific American

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Thousands of homes in Navajo and other tribal lands don’t have access to electricity. A $200-million federal funding effort aims to fix that problem with solar power and other clean energy

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Electricity Solar Power

We Need Large-Scale Solar. A New Agreement Points the Way Forward

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 16, 2023

At that time, even the largest solar arrays in the world measured only in the hundreds of kilowatts, enough to generate the equivalent of the electricity needs of just a few tens of thousands of US households. I can distinctly remember how wacky it seemed when I first heard someone propose a one-megawatt (1000-kilowatt) solar array.

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity Fossil Fuels Technology

Solar-powered floating islands could help to regrow coral reefs

New Scientist

MAY 21, 2024

A trio of hexagonal islands could generate solar electricity to power a process that accelerates coral growth, with space for a research lab and a garden

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity

Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation

Environmental Leader

JANUARY 11, 2022

Solar and wind power and battery storage continue to see significant growth and will drive renewable energy sources in electricity generation in the United States in 2022. The post Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity 2022 Wind Power

Reevaluating the Role of Fossil Gas in a Decarbonizing Grid

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 12, 2024

Fossil gas power plants currently provide the largest source of electricity generation and capacity in the United States. However, as we replace fossil fuels with clean electricity for heating and transportation to meet our climate goals, these peak demands will increasingly shift to the winter in many parts of the country.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Electricity 2030 Clean Energy

After The Lights Go Out, Then What?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 4, 2024

A new North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review of power outages and gas industry failures reveals the potential for prolonged and deadly power outages. What Happened in Texas?

Electricity

Electricity 2021 Renewable Energy Natural Gas

How the Solar Eclipse Will Impact Electricity Supplies

Scientific American

MARCH 13, 2024

This April’s total solar eclipse will present a unique challenge to power grid operators because of the decline in solar power generation

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity

Renewables supply 30 per cent of global electricity for the first time

New Scientist

MAY 7, 2024

The rapid growth of solar power led to a record-breaking year for clean energy generation in 2023, and the year is expected to mark the start of a long-term decline in fossil fuels

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity Clean Energy

Building a solar-powered future

Environmental News Bits

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

The next 30 years of solar energy is likely to look very different than the past 30. Photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power are likely to continue to grow rapidly—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) projects solar energy could provide 45% of the electricity in… Read more →

Solar Power

Solar Power Renewable Energy Electricity

Seven Years after Hurricane María, in Puerto Rico You Can’t Even Count on Keeping the Lights On

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 22, 2024

The next day, Wednesday, August 14, Puerto Rico woke up with 728,000 clients (almost half) without electricity, thousands without drinking water (because many communities rely on electricity to pump water), and flood warnings throughout the island. What awaits Puerto Rico with Genera in charge of electricity generation?

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity 2025

How Are Solar Panels Made?

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 19, 2022

The US solar industry was valued at $33 billion in 2021, employed more than 230,000 people, and continued to grow in power capacity at an average rate of 33 percent per year. Solar panels generated almost 4 percent of electricity in the US in 2021, up from less than 1 percent in 2015. Meet your solar panel.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide Electricity Carbon Dioxide Renewable Energy

Five Factors are Driving Offshore Wind

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 19, 2023

And it will make it even more important when winter electricity demand increases because more households are using electric heat pumps. It also makes offshore wind an important seasonal complement to the region’s abundant and growing solar power capacity. Power everywhere. The US offshore wind map.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels Wind Power Renewable Energy

Rapid Growth of Wind and Solar Could Help Limit Warming to 1.5 degrees C

Yale E360

MARCH 30, 2022

If wind and solar power continue the rapid growth they achieved over the last decade, rising by 20 percent annually until 2030, the global electricity sector will do its part to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C, according to a new report from climate think tank Ember. Read more on E360 ?.

Solar Power

Solar Power 2030 Electricity

Solar device generates electricity and desalinates water with no waste brine

Physics World

JUNE 28, 2021

A device that can generate electricity while desalinating seawater has been developed by researchers in Saudi Arabia and China, who claim that their new system is highly efficient at performing both tasks. The device uses waste heat from the solar cell for desalination, thereby cooling the solar cell.

Electricity

Electricity Waste Cooling Solar Power

Lt. Governor, Acting DEP Secretary Highlight Potential Of Solar Power On Abandoned Mine Lands At Beaver County Site; Issued New Report On Solar Potential Of Mined Lands

PA Environment Daily

MAY 30, 2024

“Pennsylvania has tremendous potential for solar energy on abandoned mine lands. Our report shows that putting solar panels on just a small fraction of the suitable abandoned mine lands could produce enough electricity to power Pittsburgh,” said Acting Secretary Shirley. “We Click Here for video and photos from the event.

Solar Power

Solar Power Clean Energy Radiation Renewable Energy

Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish

Physics World

APRIL 19, 2021

Xu and colleagues believe their material could be transformative: potentially improving quality of life for many communities around the world, especially where access to electricity is limited. The post Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish appeared first on Physics World.

Solar Power

Solar Power Cooling Electricity Technology

In Climate Talks, Plans to Keep Planet from Overheating Should Not Ignore Water

Circle of Blue

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Coal power, from mining to generation, is among the thirstiest and most polluting ways to produce electricity. Wind turbines and solar power, two sturdy and growing sources of renewable energy, require negligible amounts of water. degrees Celsius than it was two centuries ago. It is already 1.1 degrees C higher.

Biofuels

Biofuels Carbon Emissions Cooling Fossil Fuels

Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles

Law Columbia

APRIL 3, 2024

In a new report , the Sabin Center identifies and examines 33 of the most pervasive false claims about solar energy, wind energy, and electric vehicles, with the aim of promoting a more informed discussion. jobs ( it does not ).

Electricity

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Radiation

How Will DTE’s Long-Term Plan Impact Michigan’s Clean Energy Future?

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 1, 2022

DTE’s proposal, known as an integrated resource plan, describes how the utility intends to fulfill its customers’ electricity needs over the next 20 years. These types of long-term energy plans include forecasting the amount of electricity customers will need and examining different options for supporting that need.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy 2028 2025 Electricity

Bolivia has high solar power potential but faces challenges scaling up

A Greener Life

MAY 20, 2022

The new 100 MW Oruro solar plant is a boost to Bolivia’s energy transition, but there are obstacles to harnessing the radiation potential of its western highlands. Perched at 3,730 metres above sea level in the community of Ancotanga, the Oruro solar power plant is one of the flagship projects in Bolivia’s energy transition.

Solar Power

Solar Power Fossil Fuels Radiation Natural Gas

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

The legislation committed nearly $400 billion to support, among other things, wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies that will make a significant dent in US heat-trapping emissions. What are the main solutions?

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030

Virginia School District Solar Project to Offset Electricity Needs

Environmental Leader

DECEMBER 10, 2021

A solar power project for a school system in Virginia is expected to significantly cut energy costs. The post Virginia School District Solar Project to Offset Electricity Needs appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Renewable Energy

Midwest Transmission System Investments Will Be a Game Changer for a Clean Energy Future

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 21, 2022

It will be happening in the (virtual) boardroom of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which has authority over the bulk electric transmission system across much of the Midwest. The most consequential vote to advance a clean energy future won’t be happening in Washington, D.C., or your state capital next week.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity Fossil Fuels

PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

PA Environment Daily

MAY 31, 2024

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the June 1 PA Bulletin making available the final policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by electric distribution companies (EDC). Photo: Pittsburgh-based EOS energy storage facility paired with solar energy.) M-2020-3022877.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Radiation Renewable Energy

It’s Danger Season–Is Our Nation’s Infrastructure Ready?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 24, 2024

As my colleague John Rogers explains , extreme heat can have cascading impacts on our electricity system making electricity more expensive, more polluting, and less reliable. Under high heat conditions, power plants can also be less efficient at producing electricity as they normally would under cooler conditions.

Climate Change

Climate Change Sea Level Fossil Fuels Government

Good News—and Bad—about Fossil Fuel Power Plants in 2023

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 23, 2023

With the clean energy transition already under way, the US electricity mix is set to continue changing this year. Solar power is expected to make up about half of all additions of US electric generating capacity in 2023, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). I’ll start off with the good.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides

Who pays and who benefits from a massive expansion of solar power?

Environmental News Bits

OCTOBER 15, 2021

by Felix Mormann (Texas A&M University) Electricity generation produces a quarter of U.S. The electric grid also is highly vulnerable to climate change effects, such as more frequent and severe droughts, hurricanes and other extreme weather events. greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

Solar Power

Solar Power Climate Change Greenhouse Electricity

Singapore Unveils Blueprint for Sustainable Air Hub

Clean Energy Law

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will also launch 12 key initiatives, including a levy on sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon electricity imports. Deployment of solar power – More solar photovoltaic systems will be installed on available rooftop spaces of airport buildings at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.

Solar Power

Solar Power 2019 Biofuels 2030

Energy-storing concrete could form foundations for solar-powered homes

New Scientist

JULY 31, 2023

A mixture of cement and fine charcoal can become a supercapacitor that could someday charge homes or electric vehicles

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity

How Much Battery Storage Does Illinois Need?

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Energy storage, or the storing of electricity for later use on the power grid, plays an important role in the clean energy transition. Renewable generation is variable—wind and solar power produce electricity when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. Enter energy storage.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2030 Electricity Clean Energy

Electric Vehicles Combat Climate Change

Global Green

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Chris Johnston is co-author of The Arrival of the Electric Car – An Overview of the EV Revolution Happening Now. The fastest way to shift the transportation sector to environmental sustainability is to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This makes EVs two to three times more efficient than gas-powered vehicles.

Electricity

Electricity Climate Change Fossil Fuels 2030

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Environmental Leader

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The US Department of Energy released a study last Wednesday that suggests solar power could provide 35% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050. The post Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Technology Technology

Why Energy Bills Will Be Even Higher This Winter

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

US ratepayers very likely will pay even more for electricity and heating this winter compared to the already-expensive winter of 2021-2022. These companies have spent the last decade locking gas in as the go-to resource for power generation while keeping it around as the go-to resource for heating, thus driving up demand and the price of gas.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Electricity Natural Gas

Solar power will reduce the carbon footprint of large concrete producer

A Greener Life

MAY 30, 2022

But from 2025, large building products manufacturer Forterra has said it will be sourcing 70% of its electricity needs from a solar farm in central England. Forterra said this is just the latest of a series of net-zero investments they have made in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint.

Solar Power

Solar Power Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions 2025

Where is California Going to Site Its New Solar Power?

UCS Expert Testifies on the New Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Trending Sources

These Are the Critical Issues to Track with the New “Tech-Neutral” Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Minnesota: Will This Be the Year for a 100-Percent Carbon-Free Electricity Policy?

Boosting Michigan’s Energy Future with Regional Transmission Upgrades

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Renewables Have Pulled Ahead of Coal. What’s Next?

Grid Modeling Overview: Four Types of Models Guiding the Transition to Clean Electricity

Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation

September Is Here. That Means Another Nail-Biter for California’s Grid.

Clean Energy Is Bringing Electricity to Many in the Navajo Nation

We Need Large-Scale Solar. A New Agreement Points the Way Forward

Solar-powered floating islands could help to regrow coral reefs

Solar Power to Lead in 2022 United States Electricity Generation

Reevaluating the Role of Fossil Gas in a Decarbonizing Grid

After The Lights Go Out, Then What?

How the Solar Eclipse Will Impact Electricity Supplies

Renewables supply 30 per cent of global electricity for the first time

Building a solar-powered future

Seven Years after Hurricane María, in Puerto Rico You Can’t Even Count on Keeping the Lights On

How Are Solar Panels Made?

Five Factors are Driving Offshore Wind

Rapid Growth of Wind and Solar Could Help Limit Warming to 1.5 degrees C

Solar device generates electricity and desalinates water with no waste brine

Lt. Governor, Acting DEP Secretary Highlight Potential Of Solar Power On Abandoned Mine Lands At Beaver County Site; Issued New Report On Solar Potential Of Mined Lands

Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish

In Climate Talks, Plans to Keep Planet from Overheating Should Not Ignore Water

Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles

How Will DTE’s Long-Term Plan Impact Michigan’s Clean Energy Future?

Bolivia has high solar power potential but faces challenges scaling up

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Virginia School District Solar Project to Offset Electricity Needs

Midwest Transmission System Investments Will Be a Game Changer for a Clean Energy Future

PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

It’s Danger Season–Is Our Nation’s Infrastructure Ready?

Good News—and Bad—about Fossil Fuel Power Plants in 2023

Who pays and who benefits from a massive expansion of solar power?

Singapore Unveils Blueprint for Sustainable Air Hub

Energy-storing concrete could form foundations for solar-powered homes

How Much Battery Storage Does Illinois Need?

Electric Vehicles Combat Climate Change

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Why Energy Bills Will Be Even Higher This Winter

Solar power will reduce the carbon footprint of large concrete producer

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